Fifth-Year Eligibility

MCLA Eligibility Policy

Effective Beginning with the 2026-2027 Academic Year

Overview

To simplify eligibility and create a more transparent and consistent process, the Men's Collegiate Lacrosse Association (MCLA) has adopted the NCAA's new age-based eligibility model.

This policy replaces the MCLA's previous eligibility structure. Under the new model, eligibility is based on a student-athlete's age and initial full-time college enrollment, creating one clear standard for all MCLA student-athletes.

How Eligibility Works

Student-athletes who initially enroll full time in college no later than the academic year following their 19th birthday are generally eligible for up to five years of MCLA eligibility, provided they continue to meet all other MCLA and institutional eligibility requirements.

When the Eligibility Period Begins

A student-athlete's five-year eligibility period begins on the earlier of:

• The first academic term in which the student-athlete enrolls full time at any college or university, including a two-year college or international institution, or
• The beginning of the academic year immediately following the student-athlete's 19th birthday.

Once the eligibility period begins, it continues without interruption. It does not stop if a student-athlete transfers, changes teams, does not compete during a season, or temporarily leaves competition.

Please note that while a student-athlete may remain within the five-year eligibility period, all other MCLA, institutional, and academic eligibility requirements continue to apply.

What Is Changing?

The new policy eliminates many of the rules that previously required extensive eligibility tracking.

 The following rules are being eliminated:

• Seasons of competition.
• Redshirt rules.
• Delayed enrollment and organized competition rules.
• Most eligibility waiver categories related to participation and eligibility extensions.

These changes create a single eligibility framework that is easier for student-athletes, coaches, and member institutions to understand and administer.

Exceptions

The five-year eligibility period may be paused only under the following limited circumstances:

• Active-duty military service.
• Official religious missions.
• Pregnancy.

To qualify for one of these exceptions, the student-athlete may not participate in organized competition during the period of the exception. Appropriate supporting documentation may be required.

Implementation

To ensure a fair transition, the MCLA will follow the same implementation timeline adopted by the NCAA.

Student-Athlete Status	Eligibility Rule Applied
Student-athletes who exhausted their eligibility under the previous rules	No additional eligibility
Current student-athletes with eligibility remaining	Previous rules or the new age-based model, whichever provides the most favorable outcome
Students initially enrolling during the 2026–27 academic year	Previous rules or the new age-based model, whichever provides the most favorable outcome
Students initially enrolling full time in Fall 2027 or later	Age-based eligibility model only

Important Considerations

Student-athletes considering delaying college enrollment should carefully evaluate how that decision may affect their eligibility. Because eligibility is now tied to age and initial enrollment rather than seasons of participation, delaying enrollment beyond the academic year following a student's 19th birthday may reduce the amount of eligibility available.

The MCLA encourages prospective student-athletes to consult with their institution before making decisions regarding delayed enrollment, gap years, military service, or other nontraditional enrollment paths.

Questions

The MCLA Eligibility Committee will publish additional guidance and Frequently Asked Questions to assist member institutions with implementation. Questions regarding eligibility should be directed to the MCLA Eligibility Committee.